$500 to spend in upgrades...

[Xatrix]

Would you upgrade my system w/ $500? If so, how?

Here is a link to my rig:

http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.aspx?rigid=29168

 

[Denithor]

Should you upgrade? Very subjective question and yours is the only answer that matters. If you don't have any problems running your software & games there is no need. If you struggle to run your games or want to play newer ones and can't, upgrade.

On a $500 budget (assuming you recycle everything not listed here) get these:

Abit IP35-E + e4500 for $220 - $20MIR
OCZ Platinum 2 x 1GB DDR2-800 from FS thread $45

The hardest part is the video card. With a 24" LCD you are probably looking at 1920x1200 which is tough on video cards, especially with newer games. If you are a gamer you are going to need at least an 8800GT to really run that kind of resolution.

There are really three choices.
1) 8800GT $250-300+ price gouging due to low inventory at the moment
2) 8800GTS-320MB from the FS forum (I have seen 3 for <$200 tonight alone)
3) EVGA 8600GTS for $150 after MIR and use the "step-up" program to get either an 8800GT or the yet-to-be-launched G92 8800GTS within 90 days of purchase

If you wait ~2 weeks AMD should launch their Radeon 3850/3870 card which may be an option or at least should push down the price on the 8800GT. In early December the G92 8800GTS is supposed to be launched which will also help to push down prices. If you opt for the step-up plan you can use the 8600GTS for up to three months while waiting for prices to adjust down due to competition/increased supply/etc and then trade up to a better card.

EDIT: You can also probably get ~$100-150 selling your current parts (cpu/RAM/mobo/6800gt) in the FS forum or on eBay. That should give you enough to get the G92 8800GTS-512MB when it is released in December. The step-up plan could be a good way to do it because you are under budget up front and sell off your old stuff while you wait for the new card to launch.

 

[Xatrix]

Thanks for the reply. I am going to get Call of Duty 4 soon - that will be the true test.